PETALING JAYA: Meera Alyanna Mukhriz has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Known as Ally Mukhriz, the daughter of Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, took to social media to express her grief over the loss of the woman she affectionately called “Tok”.
“We lost Tok unexpectedly today, and it’s been hard to grasp that she’s gone.
“She left such an indelible mark on me, and, judging by your messages, on so many of you too,” she wrote on Monday.
Ally also thanked members of the public and well-wishers for their condolences and support.
“I just wanted to say the deepest of thank-yous to everyone who has reached out to me or my family today.
“Thank you for your messages. They mean the world to us. Please keep Tok in your prayers.”
Dr Siti Hasmah, the wife of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, died at the National Heart Institute at 9.20am on Monday. She was 100.
After a state funeral, she was laid to rest at Pusara Negara in Putrajaya, at 6.20pm, in the presence of Dr Mahathir, their children and close family members.
On Dr Mahathir’s well-being, his daughter Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said the 101-year-old former prime minister remains in good health while coping with a deep sense of loneliness.
“Of course he is sad. She was his partner for 70 years. He feels lonely,” she said.
She said family members have been taking turns to stay with Dr Mahathir around the clock to ensure he is not left alone during this difficult period.
Marina added that the loss has been felt by the entire family, who are still coming to terms with Siti Hasmah’s absence after years of having her at the centre of family life.
“We all miss mother. We were so used to seeing her at home, and now it is hard to believe she is no longer with us,” she said.
She also thanked members of the public who paid their respects at the mosque and later at the burial grounds, saying the family had been touched by the overwhelming show of affection and support.
